A banjo having an improved pick-up system includes at least one pick-up mounted on or near the banjo head. In one embodiment, a plurality of holes are formed in the banjo head so that metallic heads of a pick-up system can extend therethrough while causing minimal distortion to the innate sound produced by the banjo. Yet, at the same time, the pick-up allows the user to manipulate, through electromagnetic amplification, the sound retrieved by the pick-up. Additionally, a preamplifier may be used in connection with the pick-up.